U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Announce Charges for Fatal DUI Crash on the Navajo Nation Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico Dateline: Albuquerque, New Mexico Date: 29 October 2024 Subjects: American Government , Crime

ALBUQUERQUE – A Pigeon Springs man is charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault in connection with a fatal car crash on the Navajo Nation.

Irvin Virgil Wauneka Jr., 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the indictment, on September 22, 2024, Wauneka was operating a motor vehicle with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life, knowing that his conduct endangered the lives of others. As a result, Wauneka killed Jane Doe 1 and caused bodily injury to Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3.

If convicted, Wauneka faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Updated October 29, 2024

Press Release Number: 24-351